Is your refrigerator getting grungy? If you can’t remember when you last gave it a thorough cleansing, now may be a good time. The good news is you don’t need harmful chemicals! Here’s how.
Begin by taking everything out. This is also a good opportunity to toss any food that’s expired or past its prime. Check “use by” dates and FDA guidelines to determine what’s “old.”
Wet a clean microfiber cloth with lukewarm water and give it a good wring. Fold it a couple of times so you have plenty of clean sides to use, unfolding to a fresh side as needed. No need for any cleaning chemicals, which could leave a residue and wind up on your food.
Condenser coils are the black coils found on the bottoms of newer refrigerators and on the backs of most older ones. Cleaning the coils every six months or so will help your fridge run more efficiently and can extend its life.
Be sure to unplug it or turn it off first. Then if you have an older refrigerator and you’re able to, pull it away from the wall, taking care not to scrape the floor. For a newer fridge, unclamp the bottom panel at the front.
Use a soft-bristled brush to remove as much dust and dirt as you can. Go over it with a vacuum till the dirt is all gone.
Because yeast and mold can build up on the spout, you’ll want to clean it every month or so. A pipe cleaner or drinking-straw cleaning brush works great.
Check to see if it’s time to replace the external water filter as recommended by the manufacturer.
Your freezer’s ice bin can also harbor yeast and mold. To clean it, turn off the ice maker, remove the bin and discard the ice. Using lukewarm water, your microfiber cloth and a mild dishwashing liquid, wash the bin and rinse it well. Make sure it’s dry before replacing it in the freezer.
Not only can a neglected or dirty fridge cost you more money in energy bills and cause food to spoil more quickly, it’s also not healthy. According to WebMD.com, food labeled with a “sell-by” date should be used within five days of that date. When in doubt, throw it out!
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Cleaning paste and a damp enviroscrub got the inside of my clothes dryer clean. All those marks left from drying shoes did not end up on my clothes.
Great article!
Great timing as filters need replacing. Plan to set up recurring auto shipments as saves $$ & time Vs purchasing when due. Keeps on track w/good tasting (no taste?) water & ice.
Good to know that the ice bin can harbor yeast & mold!
I am wondering why “mild dishwashing liquid” is required for icemaker bin and not just the cloth alone, please.
Thanks for your question, Belynda. The use of a mild dishwashing liquid is not necessarily a “requirement,” but is suggested as a way to help ensure that the ice bin surface is as clean as possible. Of course, if you’re cleaning it with Norwex Microfiber, you have the added benefit of the cloth’s ability to remove up to 99% of bacteria from a surface when using only water, and following proper care and use instructions.
Thanks for the reminder to clean the coils.,
Are we allowed to share these videos on our FB page?
Absolutely! The videos we feature here are always sharable.
thanks a lot. now i shall share them on my channel too.
I never thought about the ice dispenser!! That’s Great I’m gonna do mine tomorrow!!! Thanks!
The ice bin is one thing i never thought to deep clean before. Thank you tip!
Hey
This article is really great. Last few days I search on google how can I clean refrigerator but I cant find any informative resource. After seeing your article I read and I got the info. Your info is very helpful. I love the way to clean my refrigerator.
Thanks for shearing.
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